Destinations International’s Jane Cunningham and MMGY NextFactor’s Managing Director Cassandra Gilbertson discuss the ways in which DI’s latest biennial study will shape the policy priorities and primary challenges facing destination organisations worldwide over the coming years. A huge shift in business models and strategic responsibilities has been taking place over the last decade, moving from…
The Rotterdam edition of Convening EMEA featured keynote speaker, academic and economist, Noreena Hertz, who set the scene to an event designed to ensure human connection across generations and the diverse sub-groups of the PCMA community. There was an underlying sense that there is a changing of the guard under way as Boomers prepare to…
Gustav Källstrand has for many years hosted the Nobel Prize Museum’s podcast, in which numerous Nobel laureates emphasise the importance of community, collaboration and of course international meetings in the evolution of truly revolutionary ideas. This wide-ranging essay explores the mindsets of these top thinkers and the environments in which their successful breakthroughs are possible.
Slovakia’s two largest cities, Bratislava and Košice, are taking advantage of their networks of universities, research institutes, innovation centres and start-up clusters serving Automotive, IT, Energy, Life Sciences and Creative industries, to carefully target international events that will gain from interacting with these local centres of intellectual excellence. From AMI…
When international conferences take place in Sydney, their influence extends well beyond industry networking and economic return. Through a strategic partnership between BESydney and the NSW Department of Education, business events are being translated into real-world impact, inspiring students, equipping teachers, and preparing communities for the jobs of tomorrow. From Boardroom…
The Iceberg, presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), exists to enable its Partners & Ambassadors to advocate the transformative socio-economic and societal impacts generated by business and professional events . The Tip of The Iceberg: A Visitor Economy Great work by the Events Industry Council (EIC), in partnership with Oxford Economics, has quantified…
Dr Mike Duigan from the Centre for Events & Festivals clarifies how two very different but equally powerful conceptual frameworks – Theory of Change and Field Configuring Events – can be used in tandem to generate practical, lasting transformation, both in host destinations and more generally in service of the event-owning organisation’s mission.
This excellent overview of the conference discussions and presentations by Boardroom’s Vicky Koffa highlights key concerns and opportunities facing organisers of medical meetings, and points the way towards the sector’s future evolution, where patients may have just as much of a voice as researchers and practitioners, and impact and outcomes are the most important metrics.
Understand how and why Antwerp is building its events strategy around future-industries, sustainable solutions and economic development priorities, leveraging academic excellence, start-up innovation, and industrial scaling-up know-how to attract the most relevant international events. An excellent model for other cities wishing to fully exploit their intellectual capital and business sector advantages, from Antwerp Convention Bureau…
If place branding was initially created to reinforce and, in different ways, stabilise a place with consistent narratives capable of offering predictability about its identity, today that stability is the exception; predictability is a myth we insist on clinging to. From City Nation Place, by Caio Esteves, Managing Partner, N/LF…
Prof Mike Duignan deconstructs the academically rigorous structure underpinning Destination Canada, #MEET4IMPACT and GainingEdge’s multi-year, multi-event impact research project, which is leading the way in developing insights on the key determinants and best models for measuring societal, scientific and business impacts. The five Vs are: Volume of data; Variety of sources; Velocity with which data…
This report confirms the necessity of a new boardroom and senior management focus on the geopolitical environment, and analysis and management of related risks and opportunities. Many recommendations can be applied to organisations’ international meetings strategies, e.g. qualifying value at stake, honing narratives and strategic offerings, optimising engagement, and investing in new capabilities. From McKinsey…
What if a conference could alter the trajectory of a student’s life? Influence public policy? Spark a regional movement for women’s safety or accelerate the next major scientific breakthrough? These possibilities are no longer hypothetical, they are the foundation of BESydney’s Social Impact Strategy, a pioneering framework that redefines the role of business events…
Sally Beerworth and Caroline Fleming from Good Talent Media share best practices on how organisations can move from reactive to proactive advocacy, to turn good ideas into impactful influence: For associations and not-for-profits, advocacy isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential to delivering on our mission. These days, making your voice heard feels like shouting…
Having advised civic leaders in over 300 cities worldwide, Prof Greg Clark is ideally placed to interview City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) leaders on the role of business and professional events in shaping the evolution and competitive positioning of European destinations, showcasing intellectual capital, attracting talent, start-ups and inward investment, whilst safeguarding local citizens’ interests.
More cities are designing or renovating their major meetings venues with the interests and needs of local citizens and communities front of mind, as well as accommodating the usual priorities of meeting organiser clients. This article highlights convention centres in Cincinnati, Dallas, Montréal, New Orleans, and Fort Lauderdale that exemplify this community-focused approach. From PCMA…
Many cities, states and countries have not yet set up dedicated convention bureaux. For these destinations, Maharashtra (the State containing economic powerhouse Mumbai) is an excellent case study on how to incorporate political and economic development priorities into the structure and objectives of a new bureau. From Meetings International…
Botswana’s ambitious plans to diversify from the industry that has defined its economy – mining gemstones – and to embrace a future with business events as a key tool to drive economic diversification. Keitumetse Setlang, CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation (pictured) says, “Botswana has strong potential to become a premier destination for the business events industry…
Industry guru Gary Grimmer on the need for a new acronym to effectively communicate the true USP of business and professional events: Leveraging International Networks and Knowledge. From Meetings International: Over the years, it has been common to hear association leaders, meeting planners, and people from convention bureaux, venues, and PCOs say that collectively, we…
The impact and value of business events won’t be maximised by cutting and pasting past models. For the sector to enjoy long-term success, inspiration and innovation need to be drawn from every potential source. From M&C/Asia: Event designers wanting to leave an impression on attendees can learn a thing or two from creators across industries…
As Asia-Pacific’s growing energy needs and economic goals intersect with geopolitical risks, conferences become crucial. By hosting global energy industry gatherings, Brisbane offers a neutral ground for Asia, Europe, and North America to exchange expertise and forge collaborations that inform policy and investment, reducing risk and boosting mutual understanding across the region. From Boardroom…
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